How much does it cost to deliver topsoil, fill dirt, or sand?
How much does it cost to deliver topsoil, fill dirt, or sand?
$5 – $25 Fill dirt cost per yard
$10 – $50 Topsoil cost per yard
$15 – $50 Sand cost per yard
Cost of Fill Dirt, Sand & Topsoil Delivery
A bulk truck load of dirt, topsoil, or sand, costs $150 to $600 on average for 10 to 15 cubic yards delivered, or $15 to $50 per cubic yard. Topsoil prices are $10 to $50 per cubic yard. Fill dirt costs $5 to $25 per cubic yard. The cost of sand is $15 to $50 per cubic yard delivered.
Installation and spreading add $200 to $400 to your cost.
A 1-cubic-yard scoop costs $10 to $30 when hauling it yourself. DIY 40-lb topsoil bags cost $2 to $6 each.
One cubic yard of dirt (9 to 14 wheelbarrows) covers 55 square feet at 6" deep.
| Material | Cost Per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|
| Topsoil | $10 – $50 |
| Black Dirt | $15 – $25 |
| Fill Dirt | $5 – $25 |
| Screened Loam | $18 – $26 |
| Sand | $15 – $50 |
| Compost | $20 – $50 |
| Mulch | $15 – $65 |
| Rock | $15 – $75 |
*Topsoil delivery charges range from $50 to $150 per trip depending on the volume, distance, and difficulty of access. Some deliveries under 10 miles away may be included free.
Various types of soil are available for starting a new lawn, planting or gardening, filling in holes, or promoting plant growth.
You may need clean fill dirt, loam, clay mixes, sand, garden soil, or compost blends depending on your project. Consult with a topsoil delivery service to buy dirt, or to get sand and topsoil prices near you.
Average cost of dirt delivered
Bulk prices depend on the amount ordered, moisture content, delivery fees, and quality. The following table shows the average cost of dirt delivered for a residential project.
| National Average Cost | $371 |
| Minimum Cost | $75 |
| Maximum Cost | $2,000 |
| Average Range | $185 to $615 |
How Much Fill Dirt, Topsoil, or Sand Do You Need?
How much dirt, topsoil, or sand you need is typically measured in cubic yards and is the most significant factor in determining your final delivery cost. When figuring the yards of dirt, add 5% to 10% to account for waste and spills.
How To Calculate Yards of Dirt?
To calculate the cubic yards of dirt needed, measure the length and width of your area in feet, and the depth desired in inches. Then enter this data into the calculator below to get an idea of how much to order.
How Much Does A Yard of Dirt Cover?
One cubic yard of dirt for landscaping covers 108 square feet at 3" deep.
A cubic yard of topsoil for a new lawn covers 55 square feet at 6" deep.
For gardening, a cubic yard of dirt covers 41 square feet at 8" deep.
A total of 400 yards of dirt is necessary to cover an acre 3" deep.
| Depth & Purpose | Coverage (Square Feet) |
|---|---|
| 3" (Landscaping) | 108 |
| 6" (New Lawn) | 55 |
| 8" (Garden) | 41 |
How Many Yards of Dirt Are In A Dump Truck?
The average commercial dump truck holds 8 to 12 cubic yards of dirt. Dump trucks with trailers, such as a side dump, belly dump, or tilt dump truck with a pup trailer holds 15 to 25 cubic yards of dirt. Each dump truck is rated based on its cubic-yard carrying capacity.
| Type | Cubic Yards |
|---|---|
| Pickup Truck | 1 – 2 |
| Dump Trailer | 4 – 6 |
| Standard Dump Truck | 8 – 12 |
| Tractor-Trailer, Side Dump, Belly Dump, or Tilt Dump | 15 – 25 |
| Dump Truck with Pup Trailer | 20 – 30 |
*In some urban regions or thawing seasons, weight restrictions to protect roads may prevent full loading.
Topsoil Prices
Bulk topsoil costs $10 to $50 per cubic yard depending on the amount, moisture content, delivery fees, and quality of materials. A 10- to 15-yard dump truck load of topsoil costs $150 to $500 for delivery. A ½-yard scoop runs $10 to $30 for self pickup.
For smaller projects, topsoil costs $2 to $6 per bag or $35 to $120 per cubic yard.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Bagged Topsoil | $2 – $6 per bag |
| Bulk Topsoil | $10 – $50 per yard |
| ½-Yard Scoop | $10 – $30 |
| Dump Truck Load | $150 – $500 |
Topsoil prices per yard
Topsoil comes in many varieties with different levels of organic content and may be screened or sifted to provide additional benefits. Topsoil is an essential factor that contributes to landscaping costs, such as sod installation and gardening.
| Type | Average Cost Per Yard |
|---|---|
| Unscreened | $10 – $35 |
| Screened | $20 – $40 |
| Organic Planting Soil w/ Manure (OPS) | $30 – $50 |
| Landscape Mix (50% Sand) | $25 – $50 |
| Screened Loam | $18 – $26 |
| Super Loam | $30 – $50 |
| Black Dirt | $15 – $25 |
| Organic Compost | $20 – $50 |
| Mushroom Compost | $20 – $35 |
| Leaf Compost | $15 – $30 |
*Prices may only be available in quantities larger than 10 yards or when purchased through a bulk supplier.
What Is Topsoil?
Topsoil is the mineral and nutrient-rich top layer of soil found within the first 5" to 12" of the ground. Topsoil has varying compositions of sand, silt, clay, and looks black-colored due to high levels of organic matter. Topsoil is for gardens, lawns, and improving drainage.
The best topsoil for planting or gardening has a loamy texture, low water-retention, is easy to till, and is 7% to 27% clay, 28% to 50% silt, and under 52% sand.
Topsoil may contain pesticides or other chemicals depending on origin.
Topsoil Delivery
Topsoil delivery charges range from $50 to $150 per trip depending on the volume, distance, and difficulty of access (like tight urban areas). Some quotes may include the soil and delivery in a single per-cubic-yard price, while others quote separately.
Deliveries may require a minimum order of 10 to 20 yards.
Free delivery may be offered for distances under 10 miles.
Delivery includes a single dump and does not involve moving it into a backyard.
Add $200 to $400 for rough spreading after delivery.
Avoid driving a loaded dump truck in your yard when the ground is wet or damp.
Choose a dumpsite that's at least 15 feet away from overhead trees and powerlines.
Alternatively, you can DIY and pick up a ½ yard Bobcat scoop of topsoil yourself for $10 to $30. Call ahead to schedule a time.
Screened Topsoil Prices
Cheap screened topsoil costs $20 to $30 per cubic yard when ordering a delivery of 15 cubic yards or more, or $30 to $40 per cubic yard for smaller quantities. Screened soil increases water and nutrient retention, reduces erosion, improves drainage and aeration, and provides superior plant performance.
Screened topsoil is dirt excavated within the first foot of the Earth’s surface that's been filtered through mesh to ensure consistent particle size. It's excellent for backfill when planting trees and shrubs, leveling yards, and gardens.
Bulk Truck Load of Topsoil Prices
The average cost of a dump truck load of topsoil is $150 to $500 for a 10- to 15-cubic-yard load delivered. Prices depend on the amount ordered, the local cost of the topsoil, and the hauling distance. Charges do not include spreading or installation.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Topsoil | $100 – $350 |
| Delivery | $50 – $150 |
| Total | $150 – $500 |
*Prices for an average 10 to 15 cubic yard load up to 30 miles delivered.
Bag of Topsoil Prices
Topsoil costs $2 to $6 per 40-pound bag from home and garden centers, which is equivalent to paying $35 to $120 per cubic yard. Some home improvement stores offer next day delivery of bagged topsoil for $100.
Each bag of topsoil is 1 to 1.5 cubic feet, which is about 18 to 27 bags of topsoil in one yard. Bagged topsoil is should only be used for small areas due to its high price.
Screened Loam Prices
The average cost of screened loam is $18 to $26 per cubic yard, plus $30 to $60 for delivery fees. Nutrient-rich super loam costs $30 to $50 per cubic yard, which is a blend of 70% loam, 30% organic compost, and peat moss.
What Is Loam Soil?
Loam is the ideal plant soil mixture that's ~52% sand, 28% to 50% silt, and 7% to 20% clay. Loam is a soil amendment containing more nutrients, minerals, and organic matter than standard topsoil. Loam drains well, retains moisture, and is excellent for lawns, shrubs, trees, and flowers.
Black Dirt Prices
The average cost of black dirt is $15 to $25 per cubic yard, plus delivery fees of $80 to $150 per load for orders between 1 and 15 yards depending on the distance. Leaf or mushroom-based compost costs $15 to $35 per cubic yard.
| Type | Average Cost Per Yard |
|---|---|
| Screened Black Dirt | $15 – $25 |
| Leaf or Mushroom Based | $15 – $30 |
| Manure-Based Black Dirt | $20 – $35 |
What Is Black Dirt?
Black dirt is any soil mix with high nitrogen content, like nutrient-rich compost and peat blends. Black dirt gets its color from decomposing plant matter, also called humus or peat, or high levels of iron or magnesium. Other varieties refer to clay-heavy soils from drained swamplands.
While organic matter is vital to rejuvenating depleted topsoil, mineral content from sand, clay, and silt are also required to create the optimum growing conditions for plants.
Fill Dirt Cost
Fill dirt costs $5 to $25 per cubic yard or $4 to $15 per ton delivered, depending on the type, volume ordered, and distance away. Fill dirt is for leveling holes, raising the ground level, filling in a pool, improving drainage, construction, or for septic backfill.
| Type | Per Ton | Per Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Fill Dirt | $4 – $15 | $5 – $20 |
| Clean Fill Dirt | $6 – $15 | $8 – $25 |
| Structural Fill Dirt | $8 – $23 | $10 – $30 |
| Septic Fill Dirt | $15 – $40 | $25 – $60 |
What Is Fill Dirt?
Standard fill dirt is an inorganic subsoil that contains broken down rocks, clay, sand, and debris. Fill dirt is a place filler that provides stability for construction projects. Certified clean fill dirt is screened to remove all organic matter, toxic substances, flammable materials, and debris.
How Much Is A Truckload of Dirt?
A dump truckload of fill dirt costs between $150 and $400, including delivery. One truck load typically holds 10 to 14 cubic yards of dirt. Installation and rough spreading add $200 to $400 to the overall cost.
A one-cubic-yard pickup truck of fill dirt costs $15 to $25 with self-service collection.
| Classification | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Fill Dirt | $150 – $250 |
| Clean Fill Dirt | $200 – $300 |
| Structural Fill Dirt | $250 – $400 |
*Approximately 10 to 14 cubic yards with free delivery up to 10 miles, and without installation.
Clean Fill Dirt Cost Calculator
Screened or clean fill dirt costs $8 to $25 per cubic yard, plus $15 to $60 for delivery depending on the volume and distance. One yard of fill dirt covers about 100 square feet spread 3" inches deep. Free delivery and discounts may be available when ordering 10 yards or more.
What Is Clean Fill Dirt?
Certified clean fill dirt is free of all organic matter, toxic substances, flammable materials, debris, refuse, glass, wood, or metal, and meets all the requirements of the Unified Soil Classification System. Screened fill dirt varies by its classifications for construction, foundations, leveling, or drainage projects.
Clay Dirt Prices
Clay dirt prices range from $20 to $35 per cubic yard depending on the blend, volume ordered, and delivery fees. Clay dirt is a blend of subsoil that contains more than 25% clay content. Clay is used for decorative projects such as pottery or ceramics, making bricks or tiles, and construction.
Clay particles are tiny pieces of decomposed rocks, except when screened. Screened pure clay is more expensive and is not for construction because it won’t drain groundwater.
Septic Fill Dirt
Septic fill dirt costs $15 to $40 per ton, or between $25 and $60 per cubic yard depending on the amount ordered and delivery fees. Septic fill dirt, also called concrete sand, M-10 sand, or paver sand, is clean fill dirt with high sand content.
Septic fill dirt is the driest, most-porous material available to draw moisture away from septic tanks, swimming pool foundations, and beach volleyball courts. Percolation testing is required to test the soil and determine the site’s suitability for the disposal of wastewater before installing a septic system.
Many states have laws requiring a geotechnical engineer to observe and certify dirt-fill projects. Without certification, cities won't allow any new structures built over an old septic tank that's been filled in with dirt.
Engineered & Structural Fill Dirt Cost
Engineered or structural fill costs $10 to $30 per cubic yard for certified clean fill dirt for construction use. Structural fill is typically used when building a new foundation or swimming pool, which requires permits and inspection fees starting at $400.
When applying for permits, a licensed soil engineer certifies the structural fill dirt on your property and provides a soil report. Sometimes, purchasing structural fill through the engineers' authorized suppliers is required to pass building inspections.
Excess structural fill is often given away for free from construction and excavation companies. However, uncertified fill dirt is only useful for general landscaping.
What Is Structural Fill?
Structural fill dirt is any screened dirt that is highly compactable and typically consists of a mix of small stones, clay, and enough sand to promote good drainage. Geotechnical engineers order a carefully designed fill dirt blend that best suits the maximum weight-bearing capacity of the project.
Cost of Sand
Bulk sand prices range from $10 to $40 per ton, or between $15 and $50 per cubic yard depending on the type, quantity, and distance delivered.
The average cost of sand installed is $50 to $150 per ton, which includes the sand, delivery, spreading labor, supplies, and equipment fees.
Dozens of types of sand are used for sandboxes, hardscaping, anti-icing snow, swimming pools, improving drainage in garden soil, making concrete, and more.
| Type | Per Ton | Per Yard |
|---|---|---|
| River Sand | $10 – $40 | $15 – $50 |
| Masonry Sand | $15 – $40 | $25 – $60 |
| Manufactured M-10 Sand | $15 – $35 | $20 – $55 |
| Play Sand | $20 – $45 | $30 – $70 |
| Arena Sand | $15 – $40 | $25 – $60 |
| Concrete Sand | $15 – $50 | $25 – $60 |
| Granite Sand | $30 – $50 | $40 – $70 |
| White Silica Sand | $30 – $60 | $40 – $80 |
| Golf Course Bunker Sand | $10 – $50 | $15 – $65 |
| Fill Sand | $10 – $25 | $15 – $40 |
| Screened Sand | $10 – $20 | $15 – $30 |
| Salt Sand | $20 – $40 | $25 – $50 |
| Washed Plaster Sand | $30 – $45 | $40 – $60 |
*Prices may only be available in quantities larger than 10 tons or when purchased through a bulk supplier. Add $3 to $10 per mile for delivery, or a minimum flat fee of $60 within 10 miles.
Dump Truck Load of Sand Cost
A dump truck load of sand costs $300 to $700 on average, which includes delivery. Prices depend on the size of the truckload (typically 8 to 17.5 tons) and the type of sand such as river sand, arena sand, play sand, fill sand, or all-purpose construction sand.
Dump trucks typically haul 10 to 14 cubic yards of sand, while tandem trucks can carry 17.5+ tons. When loading a pickup truck or dump trailer yourself, you can load up to 0.50 cubic yards of sand at a time.
Cost of Sand Per Bag
The average cost of sand is $3 to $5 per 50-pound bag for all-purpose or play sand. Play sand has a fine texture and is ideal for playgrounds, while all-purpose construction sand is used around paver stones or below a swimming pool.
Cost of Masonry Sand
The average cost of masonry sand is $15 to $40 per ton or $25 to $60 per cubic yard. Mason sand is more affordable when purchased through landscaping companies and is typically delivered for a flat fee of $60 for distances up to 10 miles.
Masonry sand is a washed sand that has a smooth, fine, and uniform finish, perfect for patios, plastering, or ground stabilizer. Avoid using masonry sand for playgrounds as fine particles of toxic silica dust are often present.
Bulk Mulch, Rock & Gravel Delivery Prices
Bulk mulch, rock, and gravel delivery costs $15 to $30 per cubic yard, with most spending $50 to $150 per trip depending on the amount ordered and your location. Delivery is typically included in the cost of the material up to 5 miles, and discounts apply for large quantities.
Be sure to ask what the minimum order size is for delivery.
Load of Mulch Cost
Mulch prices range from $35 to $70 per cubic yard for delivery and installation. A load of mulch for a garden or flowerbed costs $100 to $250. Mulch may contain bark, leaves, wood scraps, and other organic materials.
Mulch helps preserve moisture, reduces soil erosion, and protects against pests.
As mulch decomposes naturally, it enriches the soil with additional nutrients.
If you live in a humid climate, then it’s better to use smaller size mulch blends that will allow more air to reach the soil.
In colder climates, larger mulch pieces will help retain heat and protect your plants from sudden temperature changes.
Rocks, Stones, Gravel, & Riprap Delivery
Crushed stone, rock, and gravel prices range from $15 to $75 per cubic yard or between $10 and $50 per ton on average. Gravel or rock delivery costs an additional $10 to $25 per ton, or about double the material price depending on the type (crusher run, limestone, pea gravel, etc.).
River rock prices are $45 to $130 per ton or $50 to $160 per cubic yard. Large landscaping rocks cost $100 to $350 per ton.
| Type | Average Cost Per Yard |
|---|---|
| Riprap Rock | $15 – $80 |
| River rock | $50 – $160 |
| Sand and Gravel | $15 – $25 |
| Gravel Fill | $26 – $66 |
| Stone Dust or Screenings | $10 – $25 |
*Average prices not including delivery.
Sand and Gravel Prices
Sand and gravel mix costs $15 to $25 per cubic yard and typically has a max rock size of 1" and contains a dust binder, which makes the material last longer. Sand and gravel is less prone to erosion and requires less maintenance.
Dump Truck Dirt Delivery, Rental & Hauling Costs
The average cost of dirt delivery is $50 to $150 depending on the size of the truck, dirt load capacity (in yards), and the distance away from your location. Additional hauling fees of $10 per mile may apply for every mile exceeding 5 miles.
| Truck Type | Load Capacity (Yards) | Base Delivery Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small Dump Truck (Single) | 6 – 8 | $50 |
| Flatbed Truck (Tandem) | 8 – 12 | $75 |
| Large Dump Truck (Tri & Quint-Axle) | 12 – 15 | $150 |
*Most companies require a 2-yard minimum and include delivery costs in their quote.
Flat Fee vs. Per Hour
Some dirt companies have flat delivery fees, while others charge $50 to $100 per hour. If you'd rather haul the materials yourself, you can rent a truck or trailer for an additional cost of $50 to $125 per day from local home improvement stores or rental services.
| Type | Load Capacity (Yards) | Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup Truck | 1 – 2 | $70 – $125 |
| Dump Trailer | 4 – 6 | $50 – $140 |
| Dump Truck | 8 – 12 | $75 – $200 |
Pickup truck rental rates at Home Depot start at $19 for the first 75 minutes, $5 per 15-minutes after that, and a $50 deposit.
Travel Distance
Delivery is typically included free if you live within 5 miles or less from the service provider. For most sand and topsoil deliveries more than 5 miles away from a facility with a minimum order of 24 tons, companies usually charge an additional $10 per mile in gas and transportation fees.
For riprap stone deliveries, it costs an extra $1 for each cubic yard you order per mile in transport fees alone. Large orders usually require a 10 cubic-yard-capacity dump truck plus a hydraulic crane to unload the stones, often with a crew of around 7 people.
Yard Accessibility
Limited or difficult yard accessibility will add to your overall costs. Discuss with your dirt delivery driver ahead of time if you live down a narrow winding road, have trees blocking the delivery site, or foresee other problems.
Preparing For A Dirt Delivery Service
Follow this step-by-step checklist to prepare for a large dump truck delivery:
Plan out a pathway for the truck to drive onto your property if they need to.
A fully loaded dump truck will avoid driving over a ditch or a culvert. Plan a route around them.
Fully loaded dump trucks can leave cracks in concrete driveways and curbs. When a driver dumps materials inside your curb line, you’ll have to sign a waiver for any incidental property damages.
Make sure the dump truck has room to turn around when they’re leaving.
Make sure there's ample overhead space where the truck will dump out the load of dirt. Plan an area without low-hanging power lines or trees.
Spread out a large tarp, so that clean up after the delivery is easier and faster.
Plan a backup dumping location in case the driver is unable to make a successful delivery. If they can't deliver when they arrive, you’ll pay additional penalty fees and have to reschedule.
Fill Dirt & Topsoil Considerations
Dirt Fill Compaction
Highly compacted dirt is excellent for swimming pools, foundations, and preventing erosion, but it's not ideal for gardens. To reduce soil compaction to sprout seeds faster and grow healthier plants:
Add more mulch and compost to your soil.
Buy earthworms to aerate and fertilize the soil.
Avoid stepping on your garden beds.
Avoid tilling your garden after heavy rain.
Soil Drainage
Good soil drainage is required to stop plants from dying and to prevent water from pooling up to flooding the lawn during storms.
Test your drainage by digging a small 1-cubic-foot hole and use a hose to fill it up with water.
Let it drain naturally into the ground. Within a few minutes, when the hole is empty, fill it up with water again.
If the water seeps into the ground within 24 hours or less, then you have well-draining soil; else, you’ll need to add other ingredients to improve drainage.
Soil that drains quickly has high sand content. Plants struggling to grow may need extra compost and rich organic matter to restore the nutrient levels and prevent them from washing away in a storm.
Soil that drains poorly likely has too much clay content, a high concentration of alkaline rocks, or fine stone sediments. Clay-like soils need heavy tilling plus adding compost or loam and the right amount of sand.
Building raised beds with all new topsoil is an easier and faster way to create a small garden.
Topsoil Erosion & Sediment Control
Erosion happens when wind, rain, or adjoining waterways near the property wash away the soil. Stop topsoil erosion from polluting water supplies, clogging your pipes, and causing floods by following these tips:
Add mulch or natural barriers like riprap stones at the bottom of any slopes you have on your property to stop sediment from running off.
Install gutter downspout extenders to direct the flow of water further away from the home’s foundation and the dirt surrounding it.
Planting more native shrubs hedges can stabilize the soil.
Avoid digging and heavy landscaping during the rainy season.
Install walkways and driveways with permeable surfaces, so water seeps back into the ground instead of flooding surrounding areas.
Allow natural vegetation and trees to grow along the shores of lakes and rivers to prevent the banks from receding and sediment from washing away.
While your plants are growing, temporarily install a silt fence with a screen that traps silt and sediment but allows water through.
Spread out compost along the bottom of the properties slopes. The EPA recommends using compost for erosion control because it traps sediment and breaks down over time to help the plants around it grow faster.
Fill Dirt Permits
Some cities require permits when you move at least 50 cubic yards of dirt. You may also need a permit if the following apply to you:
When you make landscaping changes to an area that interferes with the public right of ways, such as a sidewalk area or curb
If your landscaping changes contribute to converting a residential space into a commercial area
If you're installing or renovating a swimming pool. Pool construction requires particular fill dirt to level the foundation underneath the pool, plus excavation work.
When removing large tree stumps and grading your land to create slight slopes
When excavating deeper than 4' down or if you make a new slope that’s 4' or taller
Fill dirt, sand, & topsoil FAQs
What Is a Yard of Dirt?
One cubic yard of dirt is 27 cubic feet, which is an area 3 feet wide by 3 feet wide and 3 feet tall. One yard of dirt is between 1.3 to 1.5 tons, but topsoil is 0.8 to 1.3 tons depending on organic content and moisture.
Bulk dirt suppliers list prices in terms of the cost per cubic yard, or the amount of space it takes up after it's loaded on the truck.
One yard of dirt is 27 cubic feet, or 3' x 3' x 3'.
One yard of dirt is 9 to 14 wheelbarrows.
One yard of dirt is between 0.8 and 1.5 tons.
One yard of dirt fills up the back of an average pickup truck.
How Many Wheelbarrows In A Yard of Dirt?
There are 9 to 14 wheelbarrows in a cubic yard of dirt, depending on the size. An average 3-cubic-foot wheelbarrow takes 9 loads to make up a yard, while a smaller 2-cubic-foot wheelbarrow requires 14.
How Many Yards of Dirt in a Ton?
One cubic yard of dirt is between 1.05 and 1.75 tons depending on the soil composition and water content. Most fill dirt has a density of 90 pounds per cubic foot, which equals 1.215 tons per yard on average. Screened topsoil is the lightest, while mixes of clay, sand, and gravel are the heaviest.
How Deep Should Topsoil Be For New Lawn, Garden, or Turf?
Topsoil should be 4 to 6 inches deep when planting a new lawn, and at least 8 inches deep when filling a garden bed. First, till the top 2 to 3 inches of the subsoil, then apply the topsoil and till it into the loosened subsoil to prevent drainage issues.
Rake and grade the yard level to prepare it for seeding. To ensure your garden soil is fertile with organic matter, mix the topsoil with a 1 to 3-inch layer of compost.
What Kind Of Dirt To Fill Holes In Yard?
Blend planting soil with sand or compost to fill holes and lawn ruts in a yard. This dirt mixture allows grass to root effectively into the existing soil. For larger holes 24" and up, fill with gravel or stones, then cover with soil 2" above the surrounding grade and replace the sod.
What Is A Tandem Load of Dirt?
A tandem load of dirt is a dump truck with a double axle in the back, which holds 18 cubic yards of fill dirt or topsoil. This is approximately 21' long by 18' wide by 4' tall once dumped.
How Much Does A Yard of Dirt Weigh?
A cubic yard of dry fill dirt weighs 2,000 to 3,000 pounds. A cubic yard of screened topsoil weighs about 1,000 pounds, or 2,500 pounds or more when mixed with other ingredients.
A cubic yard of wet topsoil weighs more than 3,000 pounds. Dry clay soil weighs almost 1,700 pounds.
| Type | Weight In Pounds |
|---|---|
| Dry Fill Dirt | 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Topsoil | 1,000 – 2,500 |
| Wet Topsoil | 3,000 or more |
| Dry Clay Soil | almost 1,700 |
| Dry Wood-chip Mulch | about 1,000 |
What Is the Difference Between Topsoil & Loam?
Topsoil is the surface layer of dark, rich, and moist soil, which contains organic matter, sand, silt, and clay. Loam is a classification given to the ideal soil mixture for plants that contain measured amounts of sand (< 52%), silt (28% to 50%), and clay (7% to 20%).
Where To Buy Dirt, Topsoil, or Sand?
The highest-quality (and most-expensive) topsoils are sold in bags at local home improvement stores. Save money by buying dirt, topsoil, or sand in bulk from garden centers, farms, quarries, or mulch yards and picking it up to avoid delivery charges.
Topsoil, fill dirt, and sand is available to buy from:
Home Improvement Stores
Nurseries or Garden Centers
Quarries
Mulch Yards
Construction Companies
Landscaping Businesses
Excavation Companies
Farmers
Buying Tips for Gardening and Landscaping
Ask your supplier for their soil test and composition data, especially when growing fruits and vegetables.
If they haven’t tested it, ask for a soil sample and test it yourself before buying. A soil test costs $10 to $40 per sample and checks for sand/silt/clay composition, heavy metals, acidity levels, and nutrient content.
Choose topsoils within a pH range of 5.50 to 7.50 for growing, unless you need highly acidic soil to balance out your over-alkalized soil or vice versa.
Topsoil from farmland may have herbicide traces that slow down seed germination. Before purchasing large quantities, take a soil sample first and try to sprout a few seeds of several varieties as a test.
Most bagged soils come from facilities where they carefully test and amend their soil with certified-organic ingredients.
Hiring The Right Topsoil Delivery Service
Landscaping professionals typically get discounted rates, which makes paying for delivery a much better option than picking it up and unloading the dirt yourself. However, it's essential to ask your soil supplier where the dirt comes from.
If your supplier doesn't know where their soil comes from, that means it could come from leftover farmland, construction sites, or even demolition areas. If they call it “amended soil,” ask for their composition recipe.
Sometimes soil vendors who offer low prices mix their dirt with extra sand and wood ashes to make the soil appear a higher quality for growing plants than it actually is.
When inspecting your soil samples, check for odd chemical smells leftover from herbicides. Look for root pieces, stray rocks, and other debris that could contain heavy metals.
What Is The Best Topsoil?
Garden topsoil is enriched with organic matter and compost that makes it the best soil for plant growth. The best-quality topsoil is dark-brown to black in color, has no odd smell, contains some compost, and has the consistency of slightly moist, spongy earth.